Frequently Asked Questions

Dancers are expected to comply with the Zirka’s policies including rehearsal attire, costuming, makeup, attendance, punctuality, classroom rules, studio respect and etiquette.Dancers will learn the proper etiquette when entering and leaving a class. Dancers will wait in a line in front of the far studio door ready to enter in a calmly fashion. Only dancers will be allowed in the hallway of the studio. Upon completion of a class dancers will line up and thank the instructor(s) with a bow and thank you.Attendance is mandatory for all scheduled classes, festivals/competitions, special events, family social, year-end performance, and photo day. Please make every effort to attend all practices and performances. If a child will be absent, please notify the instructor(s) prior to class. More than 2 absences may result in the dancer’s choreography be altered or removed completely. If a dancer misses a rehearsal prior to a performance that dancer may be removed, in part or completely, from that dance for that performance. Dance is an art form requiring respect and should be shown to Zirka property, the studio facilities, equipment, the instructors, all other dancers and yourself. All Zirka members (dancers, parents/guardians, and other family members) are expected to use courtesy and common sense in their actions at all times. Politeness, courtesy and appropriate language and behaviour are required in class. Teamwork is expected. Dancers will be positive and encourage each other in an effort to gain confidence and self-esteem and improve themselves and the group. Anyone who engages in inappropriate conduct or behaviour that is illegal or jeopardizes the health or safety of another individual, that person will be immediately suspended and ejected from the program and/or activity. There will be zero tolerance to bullying and name calling. Immediate action will take place involving a meeting with the parents. A second occurrence will result in removal from the organization.

Student placement will be done according to 5 main criteria and determined by the Instructor(s): Skill and techniqueAgePotentialCommitmentAttitude It is most productive for the student to be placed in a class with others of similar age and ability. This ensures a level of training and performance appropriate for each dancer’s skills. Accordingly, class placements may be altered in the first three weeks of the dance year.

Parents will periodically be invited into class to watch the students’ progress. Please refrain from entering the studio during class times or opening the door as it is distracting to the students and instructor(s).

Zirka is a performance dance group and requires full participation and commitment when opportunities arise to ensure success of the entire group. There will be competitive and non- competitive opportunities for all students. Beginners do not compete but will participate in community-based performances. Although performances are scheduled at the beginning of the year, there are performance requests that come up. Here are a few simple guidelines for performances:Ensure that all the details surrounding the performance are known in advance.Dress nicely for arrival to the performance venue.Arrive at least an hour early in order to have time to practice, warm up and focus. Late arrivals cause stress for other dancers and the instructor(s). Upon arrival, find out where to go, change immediately and go straight to rehearsal.Hair should be braided ahead of time or dancers should arrive more than one hour early if someone else needs to braid their hair for them. You must pre-arrange this.No sparkles in the hair or glitter on the face.No nail polish on fingers.No gum, watches, or jewelry (including earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets). Leave your valuables at home.Parents, please note that competitions schedules can run ahead or behind. After a dance is finished dancers must stay for their adjudication.Check all costumes the night before if they are in your possession. Please ensure they are clean and in good repair. Start at the bottom and work up. You are responsible for your own costume(s).Parents/guardians and any family or friends not assigned to assist in the performance are to remain outside the preparation area.Zirka students are expected to be polite and friendly to our and other dancers. Congratulate other dancers on a job well done and shake hands. Introduce yourself to dancers you don’t know. This kind of positive attitude at festivals and competitions is encouraging. Dancers are representing themselves, instructor(s), classmates, and entire Zirka organization. Have fun! Instructors will distribute hair, make up, and costuming requirements before the first performance. Dancers are expected to have standardized make up and tights so it is important you follow all of these requirements.

All dancers will be required to follow a dress code. Zirka’s uniform enables the instructor(s) to ensure that dancers are using proper alignment and correct muscles, thereby avoiding injuries. Proper dress attire looks disciplined, assists with the psychology of dance and enables students to feel like being a part of a team much like any other group sport or activity. Specific details on the required footwear and bodywear are provided in the Membership Handbook provided at the time of registration.No jewelry for both boys and girls including watches, chains, rings, earrings etc. Hair needs to be securely tied back and off of the face – a bun is preferred.

Conflicts are addressed through Zirka's Procedures for Disciplinary Actions:Procedures for disciplinary actions for students in a classroom situation follow a four (4) step escallation process:Verbal warning & apology from the studentInstructor(s) will contact the child’s parent to resolve the issue.Instructor(s) will arrange a conference with the parent/guardian of the student and/or board member to resolve the issue.If any of the above steps fail to resolve the conduct or behaviour issues or if the issue is severe, the student may be expelled from the group at the discretion of the Instructor(s) or Executive Board. Procedures for disciplinary actions for members follow a three (3) step escalation process:Written warning and possible immediate suspension of membership status, depending on the severity.A representative of the board may contact all parties involved and conduct a meeting to attempt to resolve the problem.Failure to comply with the terms set in the resolution, or failure to acknowledge the issues by the offending member may result in ejection from the group by the board.

The parent/guardian of dancers requiring medical attention will be notified as soon as possible. If medical attention beyond first aid is required, and the parent/guardian cannot be reached, the dancer will be taken to the nearest medical centre.